How to Negotiate Severance When Starting With a Company
- 1). Ask about severance pay only after the job is offered and other terms are disclosed.
- 2). Negotiate in writing by sending a letter to the hiring manger or human resources official making the offer. Cite reasons for wanting to negotiate severance pay while emphasizing that you want the job. Talk about the security you feel in your current job, if applicable, and write that you need assurances that the company will treat you fairly in the event of a layoff, job elimination or some other event.
- 3). Ask for a reasonable severance package based on your level experience or current employment situation. Negotiated severance packages are determined by whatever you and the employee can agree on. At a minimum, ask the company to match what you would expect on your current job -- even if that severance would pay you for more than a year. Ask for 30 days severance if you're freshly out of school and starting your first job.
- 4). Emphasize that you are willing to show flexibility while discussing severance. If necessary consider alternatives such as sign-on bonus payable your first week on the job, or company-paid temporary housing through the probationary period, along with full reimbursement for moving expenses.
- 5). Request a new written terms sheet once an agreement is reached on the severance.
